15 Action Movies So Bad, They Deserve a Medal for Awfulness

1. The Last Airbender 2010，IMDB Rating: 4.0, IMDB Votes: 175799, ID: 0938283
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Last Airbender is a masterclass in how not to adapt beloved source material. Despite its impressive visuals, the film is marred by wooden performances, a convoluted plot, and a lack of the original series’ charm. The whitewashing controversy and poor execution make it a prime example of a promising project gone awry.
2. Backtrace 2018，IMDB Rating: 3.8, IMDB Votes: 5431, ID: 3588588
Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Backtrace is a painfully dull action movie that squanders its intriguing premise. Despite having veteran actors like Sylvester Stallone and Matthew Modine, the film is bogged down by a convoluted plot and lackluster execution. The action sequences are uninspired, and the film’s attempt at a psychological thriller falls flat. It’s a forgettable entry in the action genre that fails to leave any lasting impression.
3. Alone in the Dark 2005，IMDB Rating: 2.4, IMDB Votes: 47176, ID: 0369226
Photo by newqualitipedia.telepedia.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Alone in the Dark is a disastrous adaptation of the popular video game series. The plot is a jumbled mess, the characters are one-dimensional, and the special effects are laughably bad. Despite its attempts at horror and action, the film fails to deliver on both fronts. It’s a painfully bad movie that is best avoided.
4. Max Steel 2016，IMDB Rating: 4.6, IMDB Votes: 20685, ID: 1472584
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Max Steel is a superhero origin story that falls flat. The film’s plot is confusing and the characters are underdeveloped. Despite some decent special effects, the movie lacks the excitement and charm that one would expect from a superhero film. It’s a bland and forgettable movie that doesn’t do justice to its source material.
5. Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie 1997，IMDB Rating: 3.7, IMDB Votes: 10002, ID: 0120389
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie is a chaotic mess that fails to capture the charm of the original series. The plot is nonsensical, the characters lack development, and the special effects are subpar even by 90s standards. Despite its attempts at high-energy action, the movie falls flat and feels more like an extended TV episode than a standalone film. It’s a disappointing entry in the Power Rangers franchise that even die-hard fans might struggle to enjoy.
6. Battlefield Earth 2000，IMDB Rating: 2.5, IMDB Votes: 83562, ID: 0185183
Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Battlefield Earth is a sci-fi disaster that fails on every level. From its bizarre camera angles to its laughable dialogue, the film is a painful watch. John Travolta’s over-the-top performance and the film’s incoherent plot make it a standout in the realm of bad movies.
7. Catwoman 2004，IMDB Rating: 3.4, IMDB Votes: 126610, ID: 0327554
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Catwoman is a purr-fect example of how not to make a superhero movie. Halle Berry’s performance is overshadowed by a nonsensical plot and cringe-worthy dialogue. The film’s focus on bad cosmetics rather than a compelling villain makes it a feline flop.
8. Gigli 2003，IMDB Rating: 2.6, IMDB Votes: 51045, ID: 0299930
Photo by flickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Gigli is a romantic comedy that misses the mark on every front. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s lack of chemistry, combined with a ridiculous plot, make it a painful watch. The film’s attempt at humor falls flat, making it one of the worst movies of all time.
9. The Love Guru 2008，IMDB Rating: 3.8, IMDB Votes: 55237, ID: 0811138
Photo by flickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Love Guru is a comedy that fails to deliver laughs. Mike Myers’ over-the-top performance and the film’s offensive humor make it a cringe-worthy experience. The film’s lack of originality and poor execution make it a low point in Myers’ career.
10. The Adventures of Pluto Nash 2002，IMDB Rating: 3.9, IMDB Votes: 27185, ID: 0180052
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Despite its star-studded cast, ‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’ is a colossal misfire. Eddie Murphy’s charm couldn’t save this incoherent blend of comedy and action, resulting in a film that feels more like a chaotic mess than an entertaining ride. The special effects, which were decent for its time, are overshadowed by a lackluster plot and uninspired direction. It’s no wonder this film is often cited as one of the worst action movies of all time.
11. Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li 2009，IMDB Rating: 3.7, IMDB Votes: 25467, ID: 0891592
Photo by gameblast.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

As a fan of the ‘Street Fighter’ video game series, ‘The Legend of Chun-Li’ was a major disappointment. The film’s attempt to bring the beloved character to life falls flat with poor acting, a weak storyline, and uninspired fight scenes. Kristin Kreuk’s portrayal of Chun-Li is one of the few redeeming qualities, but it’s not enough to save this lackluster adaptation. This movie is a glaring example of how not to adapt a video game into a film.
12. In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale 2007，IMDB Rating: 3.8, IMDB Votes: 51390, ID: 0460780
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Directed by Uwe Boll, ‘In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale’ is a fantasy action film that fails to deliver on almost every front. Despite a cast that includes Jason Statham and Ray Liotta, the film suffers from a clichéd plot, wooden performances, and subpar special effects. The movie’s attempt at epic storytelling is undermined by its poor execution, making it a forgettable entry in the action genre.
13. The Spirit 2008，IMDB Rating: 4.7, IMDB Votes: 63031, ID: 0831887
Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

‘The Spirit’ is a visually striking film that ultimately falls short due to its convoluted plot and lack of emotional depth. Directed by Frank Miller, the movie tries to emulate the success of ‘Sin City’ but ends up feeling hollow and disjointed. The performances, particularly by Samuel L. Jackson, are over-the-top, adding to the film’s campy feel. While it has its moments, ‘The Spirit’ is largely considered a misfire in the action genre.
14. Ultraviolet 2006，IMDB Rating: 4.3, IMDB Votes: 84331, ID: 0370032
Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ultraviolet is a dazzling display of how not to make an action movie. With its convoluted plot, laughable CGI, and wooden performances, it’s a masterclass in cinematic missteps. Milla Jovovich tries her best, but even her star power can’t save this mess. The film’s attempt at a futuristic dystopia falls flat, making it a painful watch for anyone seeking quality entertainment.
15. The Wicker Man 2006，IMDB Rating: 3.8, IMDB Votes: 71917, ID: 0450345
Photo by librewiki.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Wicker Man is a bewildering blend of horror and unintentional comedy. Nicolas Cage’s over-the-top performance and the film’s nonsensical plot make it a standout in the realm of bad movies. Despite its star-studded cast, the movie fails to deliver any genuine scares or thrills. Instead, it offers a series of laughable moments that make it a cult classic for all the wrong reasons.